Formation Characteristic Patents (Class 702/11)
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Patent number: 8903658Abstract: A method of estimating fluid composition in an earth formation includes: generating at least one pulsed neutron measurement by a pulsed neutron tool; estimating a pulsed neutron fluid saturation by analyzing the at least one pulsed neutron measurement via a pulsed neutron model of the earth formation, the pulsed neutron model including expected pulsed neutron measurements relative to selected fluid composition and properties; comparing the pulsed neutron fluid saturation to a reference fluid saturation estimated via a downhole tool; adjusting the pulsed neutron model to at least substantially eliminate a difference between the pulsed neutron fluid saturation and the reference fluid saturation by adjusting at least one of the selected fluid composition and the selected fluid properties; and estimating at least one of the fluid composition and the fluid properties based on the adjusted model.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Roger Marsh, David M. Chace, Rafay Z. Ansari, Feyzi Inanc
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Publication number: 20140350859Abstract: A method of estimating formation parameters in a directional drilling process by acquiring electromagnetic logging while drilling (LWD) measurements over a non-uniform forward modeling grid and inverting, using a pixel-based inversion method, the LWD measurements over a uniform inversion grid. The inversion algorithm may be applied using a sliding window scheme that allows the formation parameters to be estimated independently and in parallel across a plurality of overlapping windows which span the entirety of the inversion grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2013Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Yun Lin, Aria Abubakar, Tarek M. Habashy
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Patent number: 8898017Abstract: A method and system for estimating reservoir pressure in a hydrocarbon reservoir from downhole pressure measurements of producing wells is disclosed. Pressure measurements are obtained from wells in the production field over time, and communicated to a server that applies the pressure measurements for a well to a model of that well. The server operates the model using the pressure measurements to determine an operating mode of the well, such as producing or shut-in. Upon detection of a change in operating mode indicative of an abrupt change in flow at the well, such as corresponding to a shut-in event, additional downhole pressure measurement data is acquired until a steady-state condition is reached. The pressure measurements are used to determine a reservoir pressure, which is transmitted to a responsible reservoir engineer or other user. Modification of the determined reservoir pressure value by the user can be received, and the stored reservoir pressure and well model are updated accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignees: BP Corporation North America Inc., BP Exploration Operating Company LimitedInventors: Tor Kristian Kragas, John Foot, Hugh Richard Rees
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Patent number: 8886483Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating a parameter of interest of an earth formation. An apparatus includes an elongated support member; a primary transmitter on the elongated support member; and a receiver toroid on the elongated support member, the receiver toroid being positioned transversely on the elongated support member and including a single coil antenna. Methods include positioning a logging tool in a borehole in the earth formation; using a transverse receiver toroid on an elongated support member on the logging tool, wherein the transverse receiver toroid includes a single coil antenna; and producing a signal responsive to an electrical signal produced by a primary transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Jinsong Zhao
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Patent number: 8884623Abstract: A method for determining the frequency-dependent dielectric permittivity spectrum of a rock sample, comprising:—defining a series of electromagnetic measurement data comprising at least a first measurement at a frequency from which a substantially frequency-independent value of dielectric permittivity ??, can be obtained; and at least second and third measurements at different frequencies from which values for frequency-dependent dielectric permittivity ?rock (f) can be obtained; and—using the first, second and third measurements to determine the frequency-dependent spectrum of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Barbara Anderson, Thomas D. Barber, Emmanuel Legendre, Martin G. Luling, Pabitra N. Sen, Reza Taherian
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Publication number: 20140330521Abstract: Disclosed is a method for estimating a pore pressure of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole and an associated uncertainty. The method includes: conveying a carrier through the borehole; performing formation measurements at a plurality of depths in the borehole using a downhole tool coupled to the carrier; defining a first depth interval and a second depth interval deeper than the first depth interval, the first depth interval including a first set of formation measurement points and the second depth interval including a second set of formation measurement points; establishing a plurality of trendlines of depth versus formation measurements using a processor with each trendline in the plurality of trendlines extending from a point in the first depth interval through a point in the second depth interval; and calculating a pore pressure line and associated uncertainty using the plurality of trendlines.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Stefan Wessling, Jianyong Pei
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Patent number: 8880384Abstract: Method for reducing artifacts in a subsurface physical properties model (120) inferred by iterative inversion (140) of geophysical data (130), wherein the artifacts are associated with some approximation (110) made during the iterative inversion. In the method, some aspect of the approximation is changed (160) as the inversion is iterated such that the artifacts do not increase by coherent addition.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Jerome R. Krebs, Sunwoong Lee, Young Ho Cha
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Patent number: 8875806Abstract: A method of drilling a subterranean well from a surface location. The method comprises estimating a target formation depth, estimating a target formation dip angle and calculating a target line that creates a top and bottom of the target formation that forms a first projection window. The method further includes drilling within the first projection window, transmitting information from the subterranean well and projecting a target deviation window. The method may further comprise ceasing the drilling of the well and performing a well survey so that well survey information is generated. The method may then include estimating a formation dip angle with the well survey information and rig surface equipment monitoring data, calculating a target line that creates a revised top and bottom of the target formation that forms a second projection window, and drilling within the second projection window.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Inventor: Danny T. Williams
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Patent number: 8880348Abstract: Disclosed is a method implemented by a processor for imaging a formation penetrated by a borehole. The method includes: obtaining acoustic data in a depth-time domain using an acoustic downhole tool disposed at a depth in the borehole, the acoustic downhole tool having an acoustic source and an acoustic receiver; transforming the acoustic data in the depth-time domain into a Radon domain using a Radon transform; filtering the acoustic data in the Radon domain to increase a signal of interest in the acoustic data in the Radon domain; determining a location of a point in the formation that reflected acoustic energy emitted from the acoustic source to the acoustic receiver, the location of the point being represented in the Radon domain; and inverting the location of the point represented in the Radon domain into a radius-depth domain to image the formation.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Alexei Bolshakov, Xiao Ming Tang, Douglas J. Patterson, Vladimir Dubinsky, Zarema Dubinsky
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Patent number: 8874376Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for inducing fractures in a subterranean formation and more particularly methods and apparatus to place a first fracture with a first orientation in a formation followed by a second fracture with a second angular orientation in the formation are disclosed. The first and second fractures are initiated at about a fracturing location. The initiation of the first fracture is characterized by a first orientation line. The first fracture temporarily alters a stress field in the subterranean formation. The initiation of the second fracture is characterized by a second orientation line. The first orientation line and the second orientation line have an angular disposition to each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Mohamed Y. Soliman
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Patent number: 8873334Abstract: A method for surveying, may include receiving, by a processor, first survey data from a first source, the first source comprising a first signal generated by a subsurface earth formation in response to a passive-source electromagnetic signal, wherein the electromagnetic signal is generated by an electroseismic or seismoelectric conversion of the passive-source electromagnetic signal. The method may also include receiving, by the processor, second survey data from a second source and processing the first survey data and the second survey data to determine one or more properties of a subsurface earth formation.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, L.L.C.Inventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
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Publication number: 20140316706Abstract: A system and method are provided for automatically correlating geologic tops. The system receives well logs from different well bores and one or more user seed picks identifying a well top to be correlated. Each of the seed picks is added to a priority queue ordered by each pick's confidence. User selected picks are assigned the highest level of confidence. The system performs correlation by selecting a window of well log data about a user's manual pick, selected from the top of the priority queue, and then finding the best optimal match with a corresponding window in a neighboring wellbore. That new pick is then estimated in the target well using a correlation function. A quality value and a confidence value may then be calculated for each pick using some correlation function, for example dynamic time warping, and added to the priority queue according to the confidence value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Drilling Info, Inc.Inventors: Chris Grant, Dean WITTE
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Publication number: 20140316707Abstract: A methodology for IPTT (interval pressure transient testing) design which allows estimation of the reliability of the transient tests. A normally distributed random noise is superimposed on analytical pressure profile computed for a given formation, PVT, and gauge metrology. The IPTT success in a particular environment is estimated based on the theoretical pressure derivative and noise superimposed pressure derivative. This approach is repeated for a range of rock, fluid properties, and practical limits, for a successful IPTT.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2012Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Prasanna Kumar Tellapaneni, Richard Jackson, Sourabh Shukla, Harshad Dixit
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Patent number: 8868347Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium for determining a scattered wave particle velocity for a formation is disclosed. In aspects, the method may include: defining an embedded grid of the formation, and defining a contrast grid of the formation that includes a contrast feature of the formation; calculating a Green's function over the embedded grid; calculating a first scattering vector of the contrast feature for a first offset between the embedded grid and the contrast grid; determining the scattered wave particle velocity for the contrast feature at the first offset using the calculated Green's function and the first scattering vector; calculating a second scattering vector of the contrast feature for a second offset between the embedded grid and the contrast grid; and determining the scattered wave particle velocity for the contrast feature at the second offset is determined using the calculated Green's function and the second scattering vector.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Theodorus W. Geerits
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Publication number: 20140309937Abstract: Application of nonlinear resonance interferometry is introduced as a new geophysical approach to improve predictability in characterization of subsurface microseismic event analysis and propagation of fracture. In contrast to reflection methods that remove random information noise, nonlinear resonance interferometry exploits the full microseismic acquisition spectrum. In some examples, systems and techniques implement novel computational interactions between acquired microseismic wavefield attributes and a nonlinear system in software to amplify distortions in microseismic noise and exploits injection of synthetic noise, in software format, to fracture events.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: VIALOGY LLCInventor: Sandeep Gulati
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Patent number: 8862405Abstract: A method and system for producing look-ahead profiles measurements includes positioning an energy transmitter, such as a transmitting antenna, proximate to a borehole assembly tool. One or more energy receivers, such as receiving antennas, are positioned along a length of the borehole assembly. Next, energy is transmitted to produce look-ahead scans relative to the borehole assembly tool. Look-ahead graph data with an x-axis being a function of a time relative to the position of the borehole assembly tool is generated. The look-ahead graph is produced and displayed on a display device. The look-ahead graph may track estimated formation values based on earth models. The estimated formation values are displayed below a tool position history line that is part of the look-ahead graph. The estimated formation values in the look-ahead graph may be based on inversions of resistivity data from the look-ahead scans.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Jean Seydoux, Andrei I. Davydychev, Denis Heliot, Bennett N. Nicholas
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Patent number: 8849574Abstract: A horizon-picking solution for a geological volume of interest is determined. To determine the horizon-picking solution, a plurality of horizons through the geological volume of interest included in an initial horizon-picking solution are perturbed to more closely follow the local character of measured data related to the geological volume of interest. In particular, the horizons may be perturbed simultaneously by blending the initial solution with a secondary horizon-picking solution that automatically identifies a plurality of horizons through the geological volume of interest that follow the measured data related to the geological volume of interest.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Jesse Mathias Lomask, Jason Michael Francis, William Stephen Kowalik, Younis Altobi
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Patent number: 8849582Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for off-line concentration determination of components liquid hydrocarbon mixtures such as crude or heavy oil. A sampling unit continuously delivers a sample volume to a fluid flow path while a temperature control module maintains the sample at a predetermined setpoint temperature. A homogenization module helps prevent sample stratification while a flow control module maintain a constant sample flow rate. A spectrometer is communicably coupled to an optical transmission cell to transmit and receive radiation. The transmission cell includes collection optics to capture and aggregate non-collimated radiation emerging from the cell, for transmission to the spectrometer. The spectrometer measures sample spectra at a predetermined rate of flow of the sample volume through the transmission cell. A processor is configured to capture and use the spectra in combination with a model of spectra for the hydrocarbon mixture.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: W. Marcus Trygstad, Bruce Keen, Russell Jackson
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Publication number: 20140288835Abstract: A method for estimating uncertainties in determining hypocenters of seismic events occurring in subsurface formations according to one aspect includes determining estimates of event locations by choosing local peaks in summed amplitude of seismic energy detected by an array of sensors disposed above an area of the subsurface to be evaluated. For each peak, the following is performed: recomputing the summed amplitude response for a selected set of points of comprising small perturbations in time and space from the estimated event locations; computing second derivatives of log likelihood function from the stacked responses at the estimated location and the perturbed locations; assembling the second derivatives into a Fisher information matrix; computing an inverse of the Fisher information matrix; determining variances of estimated parameters from the elements from the diagonal of the inverted matrix; and computing standard deviations of the estimated parameters by calculating a square root of the variances.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: Microseismic, Inc.Inventor: Michael P. Thornton
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Publication number: 20140288834Abstract: A system and method of estimating properties of a subsurface formation are described. The method includes transmitting an excitation current pulse into the formation, receiving an induced pulse used to generate input data, and performing an inversion on the input data using a lookup table based on a shape of the excitation current pulse to estimate the properties of the subsurface formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2013Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Gregory B. Itskovich, Marina N. Nikitenko
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Patent number: 8843319Abstract: According to various embodiments, a method may include measuring a first capacitance of a sample at a first frequency using a measurement system, measuring a second capacitance of the sample at a second frequency using the measurement system, calculating a ratio of the first capacitance to the second capacitance, and determining a formation water resistivity or conductivity of the sample using the ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Core Laboratories LPInventors: Ragheb R. Hanna, Ted J. Griffin, Jr., Paul Roger Martin, Robert Hanna Lee, John Dacy
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Patent number: 8838390Abstract: A system for creating a log during gas detection and monitoring is disclosed herein. The system can include a gas detection and well logging device for sensing and transmitting data, which can include a processor in communication with a monitoring device. The monitoring device can monitor, acquire, and transmit data associated with a drilling operation. The processor can receive the data, calibrate the data, and log the data into files. The processor can capture sensed data based on a time event and a depth event. The processor can scale the data and form a geological-hydrocarbon log for transmission. A client device can be in communication with the gas detection and well logging device, and can have computer instructions for querying the geological hydrocarbon log, the data, and the files to obtain real time streaming data for instant display.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Selman and Associates, Ltd.Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings
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Patent number: 8838389Abstract: Various techniques for generating a polar display include a method, which involves receiving information identifying a formation property of an anomaly within a geologic formation from a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tool that includes several sensors. The formation property is identified by at least one magnitude and at least one distance. The formation property is also identified relative to a corresponding property of the geologic formation. The method also involves receiving information identifying an azimuthal angle from the MWD tool, where the azimuthal angle relates a position of the anomalous formation to a position of a first sensor. The method then generates a graphic, based upon the at least one magnitude and the at least one distance and the azimuthal angle, and displays the graphic on a polar display, in which a center of the polar display corresponds to a location of the borehole in which the MWD tool is located.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: CBG CorporationInventors: Paul L. Sinclair, Thomas A. Springer, Joseph K. Clontz
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Publication number: 20140257703Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for logging a formation by combining results for a zero-dimensional inversion of conductivity measurements with results for a higher-order inversion of a subset of the conductivity measurement. The higher order inversion can include a 1D-radial portion and a 1D-axial portion. The combined results can include formation characteristics such as Rh, Rv, dip, and azimuth.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2012Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Peter T. Wu, Thomas D. Barber
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Publication number: 20140257705Abstract: First seismic data is collected from a plurality of points on a reflecting feature in the formation by emitting a first seismic signal from a first array of source locations in a deviated portion of a first borehole drilled through a formation and receiving first reflections of the first seismic signal from the reflecting feature by a first array of receiver locations in a deviated portion of a second borehole drilled through the formation. Second seismic data is collected from the plurality of points on the reflecting feature in the formation by emitting a second seismic signal from a second array of source locations in the deviated portion of the first borehole, the second array of source locations being different from the first array of source locations, and receiving second reflections of the second seismic signal from the plurality of points on the reflecting feature by a second array of receiver locations in the deviated portion of the second borehole.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2011Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATIONInventor: Stewart Arthur Levin
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Patent number: 8830788Abstract: Seismic imaging systems and methods that employ sensitivity kernel-based migration velocity analysis in 3D anisotropic media may demonstrate increased stability and accuracy. Survey data analysts employing the disclosed systems and methods are expected to provide better images of the subsurface and be better able to identify reservoirs and deposits for commercial exploitation. Certain embodiments migrate seismic survey data with an anisotropic velocity model to obtain common angle image gathers. These gathers are processed to obtain depth residuals along one or more horizons. Angle-domain sensitivity kernels are used to convert the depth residuals into velocity errors, which are then used to refine the velocity model. A user is then able to view a representation of the subsurface structure determined in part from the refined velocity model. Multiple iterations may be needed for the velocity model to converge. The velocity model may be a layered to have constant velocity values between formation boundaries.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Landmark Graphics CorporationInventors: Fan Xia, Yiqing Ren, Shengwen Jin
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Patent number: 8831885Abstract: NMR porosity measurements made in a gas free-formation are used to calibrate acoustic measurements. The calibration parameters are then used in conjunction with estimates of shale content to provide improved estimates of formation porosity in shaly intervals which may include a gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Chun Lan, Songhua Chen, Fabio Brambilla
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Publication number: 20140246244Abstract: System and method for predicting the mud weight window in formations, particularly those formations having geologic structures such as salt domes. One embodiment is a computer-implemented method of modeling a formation in 3-D and determining a plurality of effective stress ratios for the modeled 3-D formation using finite element analysis. Thereafter, the trajectory of a proposed wellbore through the 3-D modeled formation is plotted and the specific effective stress ratios along the wellbore are selected to form a data set. The 3-D data set of effective stress ratios is then imported into 1-D modeling software and combined with 1-D data. The combined data is thereafter utilized to estimate the mud weigh window for the formation around the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2011Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Landmark Graphics CorporationInventor: Xinpu Shen
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Patent number: 8825408Abstract: Methods and systems to characterize a fluid in a reservoir to determine if the fluid is in one of equilibrium or non-equilibrium in terms of one of gravity, solvency power, entropy effect or some combination thereof. The method includes acquiring tool data at each depth for each fluid sample of at least two fluid samples wherein each fluid sample is at a different depth and communicating the tool data to a processor. Determining formation properties of each fluid sample to obtain formation property data and determining fluid properties for each fluid sample to obtain fluid property data. Selecting a mathematical model based on one of gravity, solvency power or entropy, in view of a fluid property, using one of tool data, formation property data, fluid property data, known fluid reservoir data or some combination thereof, to predict if the fluid is in an equilibrium distribution or a non-equilibrium distribution.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Denise E Freed, Kentaro Indo, Oliver C Mullins, John Ratulowski, Julian Zuo
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Patent number: 8818729Abstract: Provided are a system and method for identifying planned markers while drilling a borehole. In one example, the method includes obtaining a plan containing planned markers that each corresponds to a baseline marker from an existing well. Each of the baseline markers corresponds to a waveform from a log file obtained from the existing well and is associated with a waveform representation of the corresponding waveform. Each of the planned markers is associated with an estimated true vertical depth (TVD) value. A second log file corresponding to the borehole is obtained that contains waveforms representing formation information detected within the borehole. The second log file is scanned for a planned marker based on the estimated TVD value and the waveform representation of the baseline marker corresponding to the planned marker. At least one match may be identified and reported for the planned marker.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2014Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Hunt Advanced Drilling Technologies, LLCInventors: Brian E. Stokeld, Todd W. Benson, Dwight A. Lockhart
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Patent number: 8818781Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating an oil pool based on a reservoir model gradually deformed by means of cosimulations. A map of a property of the pool is obtained by a stochastic simulation of a first random function. A correlation coefficient is chosen between the first random function and a second random function with an identical mean and covariance. The map is modified by a cosimulation of the two random functions by using the correlation coefficient. The correlation coefficient is modified and the cosimulation step is reiterated to deform the map and minimize a matching objective function. Finally, the pool is operated by implementing an operating scheme accounting for the deformed map.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: IFP Energies NouvellesInventors: Mickaële Le Ravalec, Sébastien Da Veiga
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Publication number: 20140231072Abstract: Planning and/or drilling wellbores. At least some of the various embodiments are methods including: receiving data indicative of position of a first wellbore; reading data indicative of position of an offset wellbore; reading data indicative of a fracture diameter for the offset wellbore; calculating a first positional uncertainty of the first wellbore; calculating a second positional uncertainly of the offset wellbore taking into account the data indicative of position and the data indicative of fracture diameter; and generating a value indicative of proximity of the positional uncertainties.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATIONInventors: Robello Samuel, Olivier R. Germain, Umesh N. Reddy, R. Daniel Colvin, Ramakrishna R. Chada
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Publication number: 20140236486Abstract: Methods, program code, computer readable medium, and apparatus estimating permeability at unsampled (uncored) but logged interval locations in a reservoir based upon a similarity with log signatures from cored intervals, are provided. An example of a method can include performing a core plug-by-core plug blind test, defining an objective function which qualifies the quality of the permeability prediction to minimize discrepancies between measured and predicted permeability, optimizing calculated parameters, and estimating permeability values of uncored logged intervals.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANYInventor: Nicolas Leseur
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Patent number: 8812237Abstract: A method of measuring a parameter characteristic of a rock formation is provided, the method including the steps of obtaining crosswell electromagnetic signals between two wells and using an inversion of said signals to investigate or delineate the presence of a resistivity anomaly, such as brine in a low resistivity background, wherein the resistivity anomaly is assumed to be distributed as one or more bodies characterized by a limited number of geometrical parameters and the inversion is used to determine said geometrical parameters. The method can also be applied to determine the trajectory of an in-fill well to be drilled.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignees: Schlumberger Technology Corporation, Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Michael Wilt, Alberto Marsala, Steve Crary, Saleh B. Al-Ruwaili, Tarek M. Habashy, Shouxiang Ma
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Patent number: 8812236Abstract: A method for optimizing drilling fluids by creating a proper particle size analysis and distribution curve of particle sizing within drilling fluid. The particle size distribution curve is maintained with a maximum particle sizing of 6 microns so as to not allow for coarser drilled solids to degrade beyond the point of mechanical separation to prevent a build-up of low gravity solids that can no longer be removed from the drilling fluid during the drilling operation due to their size. An optimal drilling system requires that drilling fluids be modified through the following process to attain the appropriate particle sizing distribution to: make the most efficient use of the drilling operation, reduce the amount to drilling fluids utilized, and reduce formation damage. The method generates corrective actions to modify the drilling fluids or adjust solids control equipment parameters, to obtain a unique particle size distribution throughout the drilling process.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Particle Size Engineering, LLCInventors: Thomas W. Freeman, Paula S. DeWitte, Robert W. Troy
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Publication number: 20140229113Abstract: Compression of multidimensional sonic data is disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein to compress input multidimensional sonic data include decorrelating the input multidimensional sonic data to determine decorrelated multidimensional sonic data. In some such examples, the input multidimensional sonic data has a plurality of dimensions corresponding to a respective plurality of azimuthal directions from which the input multidimensional sonic data was obtained. In such examples, the decorrelated multidimensional sonic data is decorrelated among the plurality of dimensions of the input multidimensional sonic data. Such example methods also include processing the decorrelated multidimensional sonic data to determine compressed data representative of the input multidimensional sonic data.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Jeehong Yang, Julius Kusuma
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Patent number: 8803077Abstract: Cross-well electromagnetic (EM) imaging is performed using high-power pulsed magnetic field sources, time-domain signal acquisition, low-noise magnetic field sensors, spatial oversampling and super-resolution image enhancement and injected magnetic nanofluids. The acquired signals are processed and inter-well images are generated mapping electromagnetic (EM) signal speed (group velocity) rather than conductivity maps. EM velocity maps with improved resolution for both native and injected fluids are provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2014Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: Howard K. Schmidt
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Patent number: 8805617Abstract: A method and system for characterizing formation fluids contaminated with drilling mud that compensates for the presence of such drilling mud. The operations that characterize formation fluids contaminated with drilling mud can be carried out in real-time. The operations also characterize a wide array of fluid properties of petroleum samples contaminated with drilling mud in a manner that compensates for the presence of drilling mud. The operations characterize the viscosity and density of petroleum samples contaminated with drilling mud at formation conditions in a manner that compensates for differences between formation conditions and flowline measurement conditions. The operations also derive live fluid density unaffected by contamination of mud filtrate based on a scaling coefficient dependent on measured gas-oil ratio of the formation fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2009Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Youxiang (Jullan) Zuo, Dingan (Dan) Zhang, Dong Chengli, Oliver C. Mullins, Michael O'Keefe
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Patent number: 8805616Abstract: A method for determining a characteristic of an underground formation with a fluid is described. The method includes providing a sample material of the underground formation; measuring the permeability and the porosity of the sample material; performing a drainage test on the sample material using the fluid; estimating the threshold pressure of the sample material from the drainage test, the permeability and the porosity measurements; and determining the receding contact angle of the fluid on the sample material from the threshold pressure. The sample material can be disaggregated material.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Jerald J. Hinkel, Dean Willberg, Markus Pagels
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Publication number: 20140222344Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to acquire multiple output values provided by at least one elongated, unitary acoustic sensor operating as a secondary propagation medium. The sensor has multiple mechanical-to-electrical conversion probe points along its length, to provide corresponding multiple output values proportional to mechanical movement along the length of the sensor, the mechanical movement being induced by acoustic waves in a primary propagation medium comprising a geological formation and borehole fluid. Further activity may include processing the output values to determine slowness in an acoustic wave propagating between at least two of the probe points. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Burkay Donderici, Baris Guner
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Publication number: 20140214326Abstract: Systems and methods for well integrity management in all phases of development using a coupled engineering analysis to calculate a safety factor, based on actual and/or average values of various well integrity parameters from continuous real-time monitoring, which is compared to a respective threshold limit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: Robello Samuel, Aniket
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Publication number: 20140214325Abstract: A method for estimating a time at which a pressure window relevant observation occurred relating to an event that occurred in an open borehole penetrating an earth formation includes: receiving with a processor a pressure window relevant observation that provides input to adjusting a pressure window for drilling fluid for drilling the borehole; and estimating with the processor a time window in which a physical parameter, a chemical parameter, or a process that caused the pressure window relevant observation to occur, the time window having a start time and an end time.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Stefan Wessling, Jianyong Pei, Roland May, Andreas Hartmann, Thomas Dahl
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Patent number: 8793072Abstract: The invention is a method of monitoring an underground formation into which a gas is injected or from which a gas is produced, by a stratigraphic inversion of seismic data with anamorphosis of impedances. Pre-injection and post-injection seismic data are acquired. A pre-injection seismic impedance cube IP1 is determined by a stratigraphic inversion of the pre-injection seismic data. An anamorphosis function ? is defined by a function comprising a positive lower limit B1, an upper limit B4, an identity interval defined between limits B2 and B3, with B1<B2<B3<B4. A value for each limit B1, B2, B3 and B4 is associated with each cell of the cube. Post-injection seismic impedances IP2 are determined by a stratigraphic inversion of the post-injection seismic data wherein the anamorphosis function ? is applied to seismic impedances IP2. The gas is located within the zone by identifying the cells where IP2<IP1.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: IFP Energies NouvellesInventors: Michel Leger, Vincent Clochard
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Publication number: 20140207382Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for evaluating fluid saturation in an earth formation using complex dielectric permittivity. The method may include estimating fluid saturation using an estimated rate of change at a frequency of an imaginary part of permittivity relative to a real part of permittivity. The method may include performing dielectric permittivity estimates using an electromagnetic tool in a borehole. The apparatus may include the electromagnetic tool and at least one processor configured to store information obtained by the electromagnetic tool in a memory. The at least one processor may also be configured to estimate the fluid saturation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2011Publication date: July 24, 2014Inventors: Vitaly N. Dorovsky, Denis N. Gapeyev, Timofey Eltsov
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Patent number: 8788208Abstract: Disclosed is a method for estimating a pore pressure of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole and an associated uncertainty. The method includes: conveying a carrier through the borehole; performing formation measurements relating to porosity at a plurality of depths in the borehole using a downhole tool coupled to the carrier; defining a first depth interval and a second depth interval deeper than the first depth interval, the first depth interval comprising a first set of formation measurement points and the second depth interval comprising a second set of formation measurement points; establishing a plurality of trendlines of depth versus porosity-related measurements using a processor with each trendline in the plurality of trendlines extending from a point in the first depth interval through a point in the second depth interval; and calculating a pore pressure line and associated uncertainty using the plurality of trendlines.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Stefan Wessling, Jianyong Pei
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Patent number: 8780671Abstract: Methods and apparatus that use microseismic event data, stress data, seismic data, and rock properties to predict the hydrocarbon production success of a well location are disclosed. An example method generates a hydrocarbon production function based on information associated with at least a first well location, obtains information associated with a second well location, and calculates the hydrocarbon production function using the information associated with the second well location to predict the hydrocarbon production of the second well location.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Colin M. Sayers
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Publication number: 20140195160Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to record a plurality of acoustic waveforms comprising cross-dipole waveforms and corresponding to acoustic waves received 5 at azimuthally orthogonal dipole receiver arrays surrounded by a geological formation, the waves being generated by azimuthally orthogonal dipole transmitter arrays. Further activity may include defining an objective function dependent on the cross-dipole waveforms, eigenvalues, an azimuth angle corresponding to an 10 orientation of the transmitter and receiver arrays; minimizing the objective function with respect to said angle and the set of auxiliary parameters; and determining at least one property of the geological formation based on the global minimum. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Mark V. Collins, Arthur Cheng
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Patent number: 8775089Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to measure formation fluid and obtain data, the data having measurement levels that vary over a parameter. The data is grouped in one or more categories, each category having data falling within a range, and the grouped data is analyzed as a function of the parameter. In some embodiments, the grouped data is used to identify at least one fluid type of the formation fluid using the grouped data.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Anthony H. van Zuilekom, Mark A. Proett, Bruce H Storm, George Kveton
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Patent number: 8774468Abstract: Implementations of dynamic shape approximation are described. In one technique described herein, a feature of interest in a first coordinate reference system is accessed and at least a portion of the feature is identified and converted to a second coordinate reference system. In one implementation, the size of the portion is chosen such that the portion can be represented in the second coordinate reference system with an acceptable amount of error.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Kjetil Vatland Johansen
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Patent number: 8775090Abstract: Provided herein are crystalline forms of a human IgG Fc variant comprising triple-mutation M252Y/S254T/T256E that provides for increased binding affinity to human neonatal Fc receptor, methods of obtaining such crystals and high-resolution X-ray diffraction structures and atomic structure coordinates. Also provided are machine readable media embedded with the three-dimensional atomic structure coordinates of the human IgG Fc variant and methods of using them.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: MedImmune, LLCInventors: Vaheh Oganesyan, William F. Dall'Acqua, Herren Wu